73-SevenApostles-A

And We Thought We Knew You:
Soul Journey With the Real Jesus

Seven Apostles
GRASPINGS

Late April AD 30
Jerusalem, Judea

�� So many questions.� So many new forks in the road.� So many unexplained valleys and mountains.� So many wonderings.

�� Reality?� What is it?� New goals?� How do you find them?� Identities?� Who are we anyway?

�� A knock on the gate.� Everyone looks at each other with apprehension.� Have they been discovered?� Is it the Temple secret police?� Is it Procurator Pilate's soldiers?� Who has come to arrest them?

�� Simon goes up to the roof just far enough he can stay stooped and peer over the side without being spotted, then returns to the others.

�� "It's two men.� Well dressed.� But I'm not sure who they are."

�� "Let me see."� It's John.� His family is somehow related to the high priest's family way back somewhere.� His father used to look up some of them whenever they were in Jerusalem. [1]��

�� "It's Chief Priest Nichodemus and Chief Priest Joseph of Arimathea.� Let them in."

�� Simon unbolts the gate and lets the two Sanhedrin members in.

�� "First of all," Priest Nichodemus begins, "we are indeed sorry about everything that happened to Jesus.� We should have tried harder to stop them, but...."� He does not finish his sentence.� Instead he stares at a group of people who are not acting right.

�� "Why are you people laughing?"

�� That's just an invitation to laugh even more.� They have news.� Wild and wonderful news!

�� The two religious dignitaries are puzzled.� Their leader is dead and gone.� How can they be acting like this?

�� "He's back!" Peter announces.

�� "He's what?" the priests reply simultaneously.

�� "He's back!" Andrew repeats.� "Jesus is alive again!"

�� The priests stand where they are, mouths open, eyes looking intensely on the bearers of this preposterous news.

�� "What are you talking about?� You're going to resurrect his movement?" Priest Joseph asks.

�� "No," Nathaniel explains, "Jesus has literally come back to life!"

�� "Now, wait a minute!" Priest Nichodemus objects.

�� "And by the way, thanks, Priest Joseph, for the use of your tomb," James Junior interrupts.� "You can use it for someone else now.� Jesus is through with it," he announces proudly.

�� "That's right!" Nathaniel says.� "Absolutely, completely empty."

�� "Come sit down and we'll explain it all to you,"says Joanna.

�� They are escorted to a room with sufficient cushions to accommodate everyone.� The two priests sit down, but lean forward as though that would help them hear better.

�� One by one, each of the other seventeen people present takes a turn explaining what they personally observed and heard.

�� "If you want proof, just go to your tomb.� He's not in there."

�� "But the Sanhedrin ordered that it be guarded so his body wouldn't be stolen," Priest Joseph reminds them, "and the Temple guards were assigned to it."

�� "So, that proves we had no opportunity to steal his body," Thomas explains.� "We couldn't have, even if we had wanted to.� Not with all those guards around it," Matthew explains.

�� "If you want proof," Philip interjects, "go out there yourself.� You'll see."

�� The priests stand up.� They are still not convinced.� "We would like to believe you.� We will certainly go out there straight from here.� But in the mean time, you've got to get out of town.� Your lives are still in danger.

�� "At this point, the Sanhedrin thinks you have slipped through their fingers.� So they have taken down the road blocks on the highways going out of the city," Priest Nichodemus explains.� "So, for now, it is safe for you to leave." [2]

�� "Still, it will be dangerous.� What if there is a reward on our heads?" Nathaniel asks.

�� "If anyone apprehends you, tell them to contact us and we will pay double any reward they expect to collect."

�� "But we can't stay at any of the hostels; we might be recognized," James Jr. objects.

�� "We have provided for that," Priest Nichodemus explains.� "Outside we have our personal donkeys.� We will walk home from here and leave them for two of you to ride back to Galilee.� We tied up four at the house where you ate with him the night before....�

�� Priest Joseph takes up where Nichodemus left off to give his friend time to recompose himself.� "At John Mark's house are three for you.� At my house are four.� At Nichodemus' house there are four.� We have two camels tied up at the Essene Gate two at the Sheep Gate, and two at the Water Gate. They all have green cords tied around their neck."

�� "If these are not enough," Priest Nichodemus continues, "walk over to our house tonight and we will take care of you.� With these animals, you should be able to make the 75 miles back to Galilee in less than a day ~ or a night if you choose to travel then."

�� "How can we thank you enough?" John responds for them all.

�� "It's about time we stand up for what we know is right," both priests respond, the one echoing the other.

�� "Uh, before you leave," Thomas interjects, "do you have any idea who the people are who helped him?� You know, the one who carried his cross for him, the people from around here he healed, the man who rented us the place to have our last supper with him?� You know what I mean.� Do you know who they are?"

�� "We do some of them."

�� "Get word to them," Thomas continues.� "Get word to them.� Tell them Jesus returned to life.� Tell them he's more powerful than any of us ever dreamed. Oh, and maybe Barabbus too. [3]

�� "As soon as we check out the tomb, we will pass the word on."

�� "And we pray you are right."

�� "By the way, Jesus said he'd meet us up in Galilee," Thomas continues.� "We'll keep you informed of his instructions so you can tell the people here."

�� "We'd like to see him for ourselves, you know.� If it's possible, would you tell him?"

�� "Of course.� If it's okay with him, we'll contact you.� You can count on it. We just never know when we're going to see him."

�� As soon as the two priests leave, everyone begins gathering up their clothes and other belongings, and cleaning up the house.

�� "The first ones ready just go ahead and leave," Peter announces.� "We'll all meet back in Capernaum." [4]

6:00 PM
Sunday, about May 1, AD 30
Capernaum, Galilee

�� "Wonder what happened to Matthew and James Jr.?" Philip asks taking another bite of his raisin cake.

�� "They're waylaid somewhere," Nathaniel answers, turning the scroll he is studying.� "I sure hope they weren't arrested before they got out of Jerusalem.� Don't you think we would have heard by now?"

�� "Somehow, I don't think that's what happened," says Peter.� "Jesus said he would meet us all up here."

�� "Did any of you guys see them on the road?"

�� "We did," John replies laughing.� Matthew must have insisted they take the camel, and his essene brother James Jr. just have insisted they didn't need two.� They were riding together.� I know it was them!"

�� A good laugh is what they need.� Brothers can usually provide it, especially when they're as opposite as those two.�

�� "I heard Matthew say he was afraid of retaliation by all those people he cheated with too much duty at the border," Philip explains.� So, maybe James Jr. made Matthew go to a cave where he used to meditate."

�� "That would be a good hiding place all right.� How many people do you know who can meditate a month at a time?"

�� "Have any ideas what happened to Thaddeus and Simon?" Nathaniel asks.

�� "Wouldn't surprise me if Simon dragged Thaddeus with him to one of his old hideouts where those freedom fighters train," laughs Andrew.� Maybe he went there to convert his old buddies."

�� "Poor Thaddeus, if that's what happened.� The guy is so quiet."

�� "Don't you know by now that still waters run deep?� Thaddeus is nobody's fool," Thomas says.� "He headed up the campaign with the 72 delegates ~ Jesus' own Sanhedrin you might say ~ that Jesus sent out from Perea.� It was very successful." [5]

�� "Yeah, maybe he'll pick up a few tactics he didn't know about," John jokes. [6]

�� "Speaking of still waters," says Peter walking over to the window, "I wonder how the fishing will be tonight.� Looks pretty calm out there."

�� "We've been gone so long, we could about sneak up on the fish in broad daylight and they wouldn't recognize us," Andrew laughs.

�� Peter paces restlessly in and out of the room.

�� "Man, this waiting is getting to me.� When is Jesus going to come back?� What are his instructions?� What are we supposed to be doing?"

�� He picks up the scroll Nathaniel has just laid down.� It does not interest him.

�� "I'm going fishing!" he announces.

�� "Good idea!" James responds.

�� Thomas likes the idea of getting back into a boat ~ any kind of boat.� He misses the sea. [7]

�� "We may as all go," John echoes.� "This waiting for Jesus to reappear is driving us all crazy."

7:30 PM

�� The seven men walk down to the familiar dock where their boats are kept.� It seems so unusual to be there without Zebedee.

�� "He was a good man, your father," Andrew says to James and John.

�� "Yes.� We miss him.� And, of course, Mother does too."

�� "How long has it been?"

�� "Just a year," James responds.

�� "Too bad he wasn't around for all the excitement this past month."� It's Philip.�

�� "I wonder if he saw Jesus when Jesus was dead.� Where ever it was?� Who knows?"� Nathaniel asks then answers himself.

�� "Sometimes I wonder why Jesus did not heal him, or at least bring him back to life," James reflects aloud.

�� "You know he never performed a miracle except to prove to unbelievers that his words were from God.� Our father already believed.� It wouldn't have served a purpose," says John.

�� "Well, we know that he is in no more pain.� And we'll all see him again on the other side," Thomas reflects.� "I really believe that, guys." [8]

�� The boat is pushed off and the men make their way out into the Sea of Galilee, but not as far as the middle where it is too deep for good fishing.� The sun is just going down.� Night time is always the best time to fish.

8:30 PM

�� "Well, at least we'll get something accomplished while we're waiting around," says Peter.� "I can't stand waiting."

�� And so they settle in, casting their nets out, trolling awhile in one direction, then another, then another.� The fish should be there.� But they are not.

�� "Better go to a different part of the lake," James calls out to the others.

�� Trolling.� Trolling.� Waiting.� Anticipating.� Doing everything right, the result remaining wrong.� No matter what they do, it is wrong.

�� Like the last couple of weeks.� It has seemed as though Jesus was always having to follow behind them, straightening out the messes they made of things.

10:30 PM

�� "We'll just have to change locations again, men.� Man the oars, guys," James orders.

�� Slowly they make their way through the waters of the enormous lake to yet another location.� Perhaps this one will be better.

�� "Man, nothing is turning out right," Nathaniel says.� Every time we expect one thing to happen, the opposite happens.� We head to Jerusalem half-way expecting to be killed in a riot, and the whole city turns out to declare Jesus king. [9] We settle in to establish our strategy, and Judas turns on us. [10]� Jesus is arrested, and we ~ his so-called defenders ~ all desert him. [11]� Jesus is executed, then he comes back to life. [12]� What's next?"

�� "Your guess is as good as mine, Philip," Thomas replies.

�� Nothing more is said.� They continue to troll this way and that way, but none is the right way.� Hoping for the fish that do not come.� Trolling and turning and never finding.

12:30 AM

�� Growing tired and frustrated.� Wondering why they're wasting their time.� Then realizing it is better than nothing.� Waiting on the lake with the possibility of immediate results is better than waiting on shore with the possibility of eventual results.�

�� When are the fish coming?� When is Jesus coming?� How long must they wait?� All night?� Another week?� Another month?� Must they spend their whole life waiting and waiting on things to happen to them?� Why can't they take charge for once?

�� Still the trolling, listening for the fluttering and flopping of fish in the water, feeling for the tug on the nets that never comes.

2:30 AM

�� "Man, I'm always bragging that I'm going to do all kinds of things," says Peter, breaking the silence, but not loud enough to scare away the fish that aren't there. � "Why can't I keep my mouth shut?"

�� No one answers.� He just needs to talk.

�� "Me, the successful fisheries businessman. [13] Half the night is gone and I can't even catch one fish.� Just like that night I bragged to...."� Peter interrupts himself and blinks back tears that stay so close to the surface.�

�� "He warned me not to.� He said if I bragged that I wouldn't betray him, that's exactly what I would do.� Why can't I ever quit talking and try listening?� My mouth.� It's always getting me into trouble.� Andrew, why don't you stop me?" [14]

�� His brother does not answer.� He knows that Peter has his own mind.�

�� "Time to go to another part of the lake.� Head it out that way, Thomas," James shouts in utter frustration.

�� Once more to another side of the lake.� Once more casting out the nets.� Once more catching a multitude of nothing.

4:30 AM

�� Trolling and wandering and wondering.� Where are the fish?� Where is their life?� Will they fish for a living from now on?� Will they live in the palace from now on?� Where is Jesus?� Why does he not come and explain everything?� What are they supposed to do?� Where are they supposed to go?

�� "This is getting us no where, guys," John shouts out.

�� "Let's just stay here a little longer.� I thought I heard something in the water," Thaddeus responds.

�� They stay, and once more are absorbed in their individual confusion as they troll this way and that way and every way possible except the right way.� Trolling and waiting and anticipating.� And nothing happening.

6:30 AM

�� "It's nearly daylight," Andrew says, breaking the silence.� "Maybe we'd better head back toward the docks.� Let's pull the net in.� Take it slow, Thomas."

�� "Right you are."

�� Slowly they make their way through the deep water of dark nothingness.� The empty water.� The lifeless water. [15]

�� Have they been wasting their time?� They have been up all night, and no fish.� They have been waiting for a full week, and no Jesus.� How they wish the other four men would get into town so Jesus can come back for that promised visit.

�� How unnatural it feels to head toward their dock with no fish, just empty nets.� And unnatural to have arrived home with no Jesus, just empty hearts.

�� Oh, but he said he would refill them.� Their hearts.� He promised.� But he's so illusive.� They do not know which way to turn to find him.�

�� Jesus, where are you?� We're really glad you came back to life and all.� But we never see you any more.� Is this the way it's going to be?� We can't go it alone, Jesus.� You have to be here to tell us what to do.

�� Slowly toward their dock.� Wondering why they ever came out in the first place.� Wondering why they took off after Jesus in the first place.� But deep down knowing the answer to both.� It's the quest.� The sea quest.� And the heart quest.� They remain empty unless they at least try.

�� Closer and closer.� They see now vaguely their familiar dock.� They see a few people coming down to the docks to take care of their own fishing business.�

�� They even see some guy starting a bon fire.� This early in the morning?� It's hardly light.� Well, maybe that guy had a good night's sleep.� They sure didn't.�

�� "Hey, he's waving at us!" Nathaniel calls out.� "What's he saying?"

�� "Can't make him out yet.� Gotta get a little closer," Thomas responds.

�� A little closer to the shore.� A little closer to yet another unanticipated event.� So unsuspecting.� So unprepared.� So dejected.

�� "Good morning!� Get any fish?" the man calls out from shore, his feet standing where the waves just touch them sometimes. The water carries his voice.

�� "No!" Nathaniel replies.� No one likes admitting it.� But what are you going to do?� The guy asked them an outright question. [16]

�� "Before you come in, why don't you throw your net off the right side of your boat just to see what happens?"

�� James looks at Philip.� "We're about a hundred yards off shore.� May as well.� What do we have to lose?"

�� The men sort through the net to find the top sections, then together throw it overboard.� They're not sure why.

�� Suddenly there is a tug and a splash such as they have seldom seen in all their fishing careers.�

�� "Hold it steady, men!" Peter instructs.� "Thomas, come help us."

�� Together the seven men strain, trying to pull the heavy net on board.�

�� "There's too many of them!" shouts Philip.� "We' can't get it in!"

�� "Then drag it behind." [17]

�� As the others work to secure the top end of the net in their boat, John looks up at the man on shore.� He is still there.� John stares and strains to see just who he is.� He looks so familiar.� Who is he?

�� Then he remembers something that happened over three years ago on that very same lake.� Back when Zebedee was still alive.� He remembers like it was yesterday....

�� "Peter, go on out to the deep part of the lake and lower your nets there for a haul of fish," he had said.

�� "You've gotta be kidding us," Andrew had responded.� "We've fished hard all night.� We haven't caught a thing."

�� Eventually Peter had decided to humor him and said, "If you insist."

�� They took so many fish on board it nearly sunk their boat.� That's when they understood just how powerful Jesus was.� He could not only heal people, he could control nature.� That was the first time they had kneeled before Jesus. [18]

�� The man on shore waves at John as though he knows what he is thinking.� John nudges Peter.� Peter does not respond.

�� "Peter!" he shouts, not taking his eyes off the man on shore.� After no responds from Peter, John turns and grabs his arm and pulls him up away from the net.

�� "Just what is it, John?" Peter shouts back annoyed.

�� John's eyes are again on the man on shore.� By now he knows for sure.�

�� "It's him!� It's him!" [19]

�� Peter stands up straight and stares along with John.� Peter's adrenalin is racing like never before.� Yes!� It is him!� Peter must get to him.� Another minute cannot go by.� He must get to his leader.

�� Having stripped down to only a loin cloth, Peter trips over the other men trying to get where he laid his tunic.� He must show some respect.� It's the best he can do on a moment's notice.

�� Peter grabs his tunic, throws it on, and without hesitation dives into the cold spring-time water.� He is one hundred yards from shore, but he is a strong swimmer.� He cannot wait for the boat.� They'll have to go slowly so they don't lose all their fish.� Peter has abandoned ship.� The captain of his soul has arrived. [20]

�� Swimming.� Grabbing at the waves and forcing them behind him.� Panting.� Puffing for air.� Gulping sea water but not caring.� Hurry.� Hurry and get to his leader.� Peter needs his leader.� Did he mean it?� Had he really forgiven him?

�� "Jesus!" he shouts in his soul.� "I'm coming!� I'm coming!� I'll never leave you again!� Never desert you!� I'll stay by your side forever!� Jesus, do you believe me?� Please, believe me, Jesus.� I've never been more serious in my life.� I mean it this time, Jesus.� I really do mean it."� Somehow Peter knows Jesus can hear him.

�� Wading ashore now, Peter rushes to the man who has been watching him all along without him even knowing it.� Isn't that just like Jesus?� Laughing.� Panting.� Rushing to the leader he loves more than anyone in the world.� More than the world itself.

�� "Oh, Jesus!" he cries, falling at his feet.� "You came back.� You came back.� Thank you.� I needed you so.� I could hardly stand it with you gone.� Please, Jesus, don't leave us again like that.� Please don't ever go away again.� We need you.� I need you."

�� Jesus leans over and helps Peter up.

�� "Hello there, friend.� It's breakfast time.� Got any fish?"� Of course, Jesus knows they do have fish.

�� "I'll be right back, Jesus.� Don't go anywhere.� I'll just be a minute."

�� Jesus laughs, and waves him on.� I'm not going anywhere.� I'll be right here when you get back.

�� In the mean time, the boat with the other six men has arrived near shore, its load of fish still behind it.� But they cannot allow the fish to hold them back any longer.� They must find the one who controls the fish, and everything else in the world, and most of all their hearts.

�� They rush over to where Jesus is, and fall at his feet, grateful for his presence with them once again.� Like in the old days.� Hopefully like it will be from now on.

�� You kept your promise, Jesus.� You did come back.� Just like you said you would.� How are your wounds?� Are the holes filling in any?� How's your back?

�� "Breakfast, anyone?" Jesus asks.� They realize he is in a playful mood again, just like when he was with them eating fish before.� Man, how he loves fish.

�� "I've got some fish here, but not enough.� Got enough bread to go around.� How about sharing some of that small load you brought in this morning?" he teases. [21]

�� The men rise to their feet and hesitatingly look toward their boat as though, if they take their eyes off him he might disappear again.� They cannot take that chance.

�� By now Peter has climbed on board and is bringing the boat all the way to shore so they can empty their nets. [22] The others join him.� The first fish are rushed over to Jesus where he cleans them and puts them on his bon fire.�

�� While they cook, the seven men keep one eye on the fish so they can get them into the barrels, and the other eye on Jesus to make sure he doesn't leave them again.

�� "With those we took over to him, that's 153," James announces.� "They must have weighed over a thousand pounds."

�� Their work done, they return to Jesus.� He's still cooking.� They're still staring.� He lets them.� They've always needed a lot of time to absorb him.� They're amazed too at the disappearance of all the swelling and back shredding and how normal he looks.

�� He looks a little different somehow.� They do not know how.� The thought pops into Thomas' mind that he could be a spy.� But he's been through all that before.� They know it is really him.

�� As he reaches out to turn the fish over periodically, they strain to see if the holes are still there in his wrists.� They are.� They hate the holes.� The holes remind them of their betrayal.� How can he keep coming back to them like this?� Like nothing ever happened between them?� He doesn't even bring it up.� Nor does he talk about his death.

�� We're really sorry, Jesus.� We can't tell you how sorry we are.� We were real failures just when you needed us.� All that training down the drain.

�� Jesus does not seem nearly as distressed about their sin as they are.� He's forgotten it already, or at least he's not interested in talking about it any more.� It's like they never did those terrible things to him.� The betrayal and all.

�� What are his plans now?� They wonder, but they dare not ask.� He is not talking much.� They need to learn what the questions are before he comes up with answers.� Gradually they're getting it.� But they have a way to go.

�� "Breakfast is ready!" he announces at last.� He has brought enough wooden bowls for everyone.� He puts half a fish and two rolls in two bowls, then takes them over to his friends.� Yes, they're still his friends.� How can this be?� Two more bowls filled and delivered, like a well-trained waiter.� Then two more.� Finally the last one, along with his own bowl. [23]

�� They sit quietly together eating their breakfast, and trying desperately to bring back the old days like they used to be.� But somehow they know those days are forever gone.� They know things will be different now.� But they do not understand in what way.�

�� Sometimes Jesus does something playful like he used to do.� Pick up a pebble and toss it unsuspectingly into someone's bowl.� They laugh nervously.� Sometimes he hums a tune with his mouth full of bread.�

�� When his fish is eaten half off it's bones, he picks it up by the tail, dangles it over his bowl, and bites pieces off the end with it swaying in the air.� He chuckles as he does.� He'd always eaten fish like that.� They watch him and chuckle too.� Nervously.�

�� How they wish they had their old Jesus back.� He is their old Jesus, but not exactly.� He has changed so much.� They have changed so much.� What is going on?

�� They no longer know how to talk to him.� They keep waiting for him to give them a discourse on the world or God, sin or goodness like he used to.� But he doesn't.� It's like he is saying, "I've told you all there is to know.� You'll be fine now."� But fine doing what?

�� Breakfast completed, Jesus looks over at Peter and says, "Let's go for a walk."

�� The others look at each other.� They deserted him, but at least they didn't deny they even knew him like Peter did. [24]� Is Peter in trouble?� Peter looks sheepishly at the others, then at Jesus, then goes with him.�

�� They walk down the beach talking, stopping, talking, proceeding, talking.� They're intense about something.� Peter's looking angry.� Is Jesus telling him he's no longer a part of their group?� What is he saying? [25]

�� "I think I had better tag along.� Peter looks cornered.� I was there when he denied knowing Jesus.� I can defend him."

�� "Good idea, John," Andrew replies.� "At least the two of you got in to where the trial was being held."

�� About the time John catches up with them, they hear Peter blurt it out, "What about him?� Is he going to be executed too?"

�� They hear Jesus as he turns around and faces John.� "If I want him to stay alive until I return to the world, that is no business of yours.� What you need to concentrate on is what I want you to do." [26]

�� The other men look at each other in confusion.�

�� "Did he say John would never die?" asks James.� "Is that what he said?"

�� "Sounds like it," Nathaniel replies.� "What do you think he meant by it?"

�� "I don't know," says Thomas.� "Why don't one of you guys ask him when they get back?"

�� "Not me," says Philip.� "I'm not asking him anything."

�� Jesus, Peter and John return to where the others are sitting and waiting and wondering.

�� They all stare at Jesus.� He looks at them but says nothing.� Why is he so quiet?

�� That's not fair, Jesus.� You were always full of instructions.� You never stopped giving us instructions.� Explaining what was going on.� Telling what was going to happen next.� Expounding.� Predicting.� Sharing.� Praying.�

�� Jesus, we're waiting.� Tell us more about God.� Tell us more about how you love the world.� What was it like, Jesus?� The dying.� And the coming back to life?� Do you remember anything from back there?

�� Jesus, talk to us.� Please.� We thrive on your words.� Please, talk to us, Jesus, like in the old days.

�� Jesus continues to stand in place.� He looks at each one, deep into their eyes and beyond into their souls.�

�� Then disappears.

LIFE APPLICATION

1.�� Look around at the people in your everyday world ~ perhaps people at work, neighbors, or people you used to know.� Is anyone going through a problem that might require a little extra money?� Newly divorced?� A teen with limited income for clothes?� A newly widowed lady?� Someone making a lot of trips to the doctor?� Choose one and do something for them this month.� If possible, do it anonymously.

2.�� Think of someone who has helped a friend or relative.� If you do not know anyone's name, ask your friend or relative for a name.� Send them a thank you note for helping in a situation where you could not.

3.�� Many people think Jesus was always serious.� However, he said some funny things.� For instance, in his "Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew chapters 5-8, he talks about having a big pole in your eye while trying to get sawdust out of someone else's, lighting a candle and then putting a basket over it, and a camel walking right through the eye of a needle.� How does it make you feel to know that Jesus likes fun?

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws